Publication:

Are future doctors ready for AI? Artificial intelligence in the field of medicine: perception among medical students in North Karnataka: a cross-sectional study

Background Artificial intelligence has revolutionised the world in a short span of time and it has taken the world by storm. Truly a game changer technology than has the ability to transform healthcare sector. Medical students have to be masters in adapting new age technologies to be relevant in this fast-evolving world of healthcare.

Methods This is a cross-sectional study which enrolled 195 medical students from North Karnataka, India. This study assessed the knowledge, attitudes and practices regrading artificial intelligence in the field of medicine among medical students. Statistical calculations were done and the results were analysed.

Results In the study 153 (75%) belonged to the age group of 19 to 21 years. Based on gender the majority were females, 119 (61%). Artificial intelligence would improve medical training as opined by the majority 163 (83.5%). Most thought that AI will facilitate information gathering from patients, which accounts to 135 (69.2%). About two third of the participants 132 (67.6%) had never encountered AI tools in their theoretical training. The majority 143 (73.3%) believed that doctors should receive specific training regarding the ethical challenges of AI in healthcare.

Conclusions Artificial intelligence must be introduced into medical curriculum to transform future doctors into smart doctors who use technology to serve the healthcare need of patients from rural and urban backgrounds. AI can solve the access to healthcare issues, if telemedicine and artificial intelligence tools to augment the skills of doctors are fused together.